instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

This monstrous powertrain will wear out standard tires in no time, so it's fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber instead, that Aspark says is capable of going the distance. —New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2025

Trovador instead plants rooted saplings one by one, reducing wastage and targeting micro-niches where survival is more likely. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

That doesn’t mean growth itself is the issue, instead the opposite. —Ester Baiget, Time, 28 Nov. 2025

There were few phones or televisions or stereos for kids—instead, just phones, televisions, and stereos. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead